Egypt and Jordan: it was truly amaazing!
Feb 20th, 2023 | 02:52 AM
#21
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Feb 20th, 2023 | 05:45 AM
#22
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Feb 21st, 2023 | 02:56 AM
#23
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Well, this trip report will have a siesta now - were off to Mexico for a few weeks! But I will return to Jordan and Egypt!
Feb 21st, 2023 | 06:35 AM
#24
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Tuesday, October 25
Petra!
Up very early to meet Samir by 7:30am to get to the site. He wanted us to meet even earlier, but there’s only so much we will sacrifice on a holiday! We bought 2-day passes and Samir found us a wonderful guide, Hatim Hilalat, who is the son of the town’s mayor. Just a word - usually the driver books the guide ahead of time, but many guides were booked up with large groups. It’s a busy time! No matter, we were very lucky with our guide. He was very personable, knowledgeable, and had a great sense of humor - a good companion.
The walk to and through the Siq, the long entrance through the rocks, leading to the Treasury, was much more impressive than expected. While the reveal of the Treasury was, of course, incredibly exciting, there were amazing sights every step of the way. The history of the Nabateans - the formation of the rocks - the incredible carvings - everything was remarkable, and we had a lovely guide providing a good overview.
After the tour, we had an enjoyable lunch at the restaurant at Petra of shishkabob sandwiches and pomegranate juice.
The walk back to the Visitor Centrt was exhausting - I knew we would need some form of transportation the next day when we returned on our own. Samir then met us at 3pm, and we did some shopping and an ATM stop in town.
Back at the hotel, M went up to the roof lounge (enclosed) where you can get drinks or light snacks. He met Musab, one of the employees, who played the oud beautifully and sang. I came up a bit later, and, with one of the female staff accompanying Musab, M & I had the most wonderful private concert.
(pix to come..eventually….)
Petra!
Up very early to meet Samir by 7:30am to get to the site. He wanted us to meet even earlier, but there’s only so much we will sacrifice on a holiday! We bought 2-day passes and Samir found us a wonderful guide, Hatim Hilalat, who is the son of the town’s mayor. Just a word - usually the driver books the guide ahead of time, but many guides were booked up with large groups. It’s a busy time! No matter, we were very lucky with our guide. He was very personable, knowledgeable, and had a great sense of humor - a good companion.
The walk to and through the Siq, the long entrance through the rocks, leading to the Treasury, was much more impressive than expected. While the reveal of the Treasury was, of course, incredibly exciting, there were amazing sights every step of the way. The history of the Nabateans - the formation of the rocks - the incredible carvings - everything was remarkable, and we had a lovely guide providing a good overview.
After the tour, we had an enjoyable lunch at the restaurant at Petra of shishkabob sandwiches and pomegranate juice.
The walk back to the Visitor Centrt was exhausting - I knew we would need some form of transportation the next day when we returned on our own. Samir then met us at 3pm, and we did some shopping and an ATM stop in town.
Back at the hotel, M went up to the roof lounge (enclosed) where you can get drinks or light snacks. He met Musab, one of the employees, who played the oud beautifully and sang. I came up a bit later, and, with one of the female staff accompanying Musab, M & I had the most wonderful private concert.
(pix to come..eventually….)
Feb 21st, 2023 | 07:14 AM
#25
Joined: Feb 2006
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Catching up, and looking forward to photos of gorgeous Petra.
Sorry you were underwhelmed by Madaba. I had the advantage of no crowds, but in addition, there are a number of equally good mosaics that are in the Archaeological Park - e.g. https://kwilhelm.smugmug.com/Travel/...an/i-kGGHG4d/A
Sorry you were underwhelmed by Madaba. I had the advantage of no crowds, but in addition, there are a number of equally good mosaics that are in the Archaeological Park - e.g. https://kwilhelm.smugmug.com/Travel/...an/i-kGGHG4d/A
Feb 21st, 2023 | 07:15 AM
#26
Joined: Jul 2006
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I am so happy to read your report on Jordan. It certainly exceeded our expectations. We were there and in Egypt in January 2020 just before we learned about COVID. There were few tourists in either country and most were Chinese. I look forward to the rest of your report! Thanks.
Feb 21st, 2023 | 09:07 AM
#29
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thursdaysd, we didn’t get to the Archeological park in Madaba - I wish we did, but we did enjoy the mosaics at Mt. Nebo. But Petra - wow!
HappyTrvlr, Jordan was a slow burn for us, but by the time we left, we really were glad we spent as much time as we did. There is so much more to see than Petra!
schmerl, I promise! I do want to finish this - I always live looking at my old trip reports as it amazes me to realize we’re we’ve been and what we’ve seen.
zebec, we’re off to Oaxaca for 10 days and Mexico City for 8. At least one Fodorite is there right now and I’m hoping to meet up!
HappyTrvlr, Jordan was a slow burn for us, but by the time we left, we really were glad we spent as much time as we did. There is so much more to see than Petra!
schmerl, I promise! I do want to finish this - I always live looking at my old trip reports as it amazes me to realize we’re we’ve been and what we’ve seen.
zebec, we’re off to Oaxaca for 10 days and Mexico City for 8. At least one Fodorite is there right now and I’m hoping to meet up!
Feb 21st, 2023 | 10:57 AM
#30
Joined: Jul 2003
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Following! So nice to see your pics and feel how much you enjoyed it thru your narrative!
As someone who likes theatre just imaging how it must have been to be at the theatre in ancient times was fun to think about.
As someone who likes theatre just imaging how it must have been to be at the theatre in ancient times was fun to think about.
.
Feb 21st, 2023 | 11:30 AM
#32
Joined: Jan 2008
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PG, I am currently tryna convince Mrs Z to visit Oaxaca this fall. That is really why I asked.
Can you possibly send me say some Oaxacan chocolate, preferably in a red sparkly box?
Kidding.
Gracias y todo
I am done. the mercato
Can you possibly send me say some Oaxacan chocolate, preferably in a red sparkly box?
Kidding.
Gracias y todo
I am done. the mercato
Feb 21st, 2023 | 12:42 PM
#33
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jacketwatch, I’m thrilled that you’re following and enjoying this! But what the heck is Douwe Egeberts coffee? Did I miss something?
zebec, I tell you what. I’ll make sure to sample the Oaxacan chocolate to confirm that it’s worth the trip. And then you can tempt your wife with it. How’s that? Everyone I know who’s been here seems to love Oaxaca, so I hope you get here in the fall.
zebec, I tell you what. I’ll make sure to sample the Oaxacan chocolate to confirm that it’s worth the trip. And then you can tempt your wife with it. How’s that? Everyone I know who’s been here seems to love Oaxaca, so I hope you get here in the fall.
Feb 21st, 2023 | 12:51 PM
#34
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Let’s see if this works…I’m on the plane to Mexico right now and have WiFi, a new experience. I’ll be amazed if the photos upload, but I’ll try. *
*No, it doesn’t do photos. You’ll all just have to wait!😉
*No, it doesn’t do photos. You’ll all just have to wait!😉
Last edited by progol; Feb 21st, 2023 at 01:01 PM.
Feb 21st, 2023 | 01:49 PM
#35
Joined: Jul 2003
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jacketwatch, Im thrilled that youre following and enjoying this! But what the heck is Douwe Egeberts coffee? Did I miss something?
zebec, I tell you what. Ill make sure to sample the Oaxacan chocolate to confirm that its worth the trip. And then you can tempt your wife with it. Hows that? Everyone I know whos been here seems to love Oaxaca, so I hope you get here in the fall.
zebec, I tell you what. Ill make sure to sample the Oaxacan chocolate to confirm that its worth the trip. And then you can tempt your wife with it. Hows that? Everyone I know whos been here seems to love Oaxaca, so I hope you get here in the fall.
Feb 21st, 2023 | 01:58 PM
#36
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Feb 21st, 2023 | 02:21 PM
#37
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Yes I do especially when it comes to coffee. Im a coffee lover for sure. Actually DE is pretty good BTW. I once tried that civet stuff in Bangkok, $20.00 for one cup. It was ok but nothing that special especially for the price.Loving your TR! Great pics combined with easy to read narration
Feb 22nd, 2023 | 12:18 AM
#38
Joined: May 2004
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Jacketwatch thanks for pointing out the coffee wall . LolMine is better than the other guys!
Progol, please re-think your priorities. This is another excellent report. Were waiting to read more about Jordan & Egypt. Perhaps take one entire day from your current Mexico visit to complete the story of the previous trip?
Just kidding!!! Have a wonderful time in Oaxaca and Mexico City!!
Progol, please re-think your priorities. This is another excellent report. Were waiting to read more about Jordan & Egypt. Perhaps take one entire day from your current Mexico visit to complete the story of the previous trip?
Just kidding!!! Have a wonderful time in Oaxaca and Mexico City!!
Feb 22nd, 2023 | 04:07 AM
#39
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jacketwatch, thank you for your kind words!
CaliNurse, thanks for your sweet words, too. And OF COURSE I’ll sacrifice a day - maybe even 2 - of our trip to Mexico to finish this! (Only kidding😁
As I sit at the airport in Mexico City, waiting for our flight to Oaxaca, you guys are in luck! I’m going to try to upload some photos now!
CaliNurse, thanks for your sweet words, too. And OF COURSE I’ll sacrifice a day - maybe even 2 - of our trip to Mexico to finish this! (Only kidding😁
As I sit at the airport in Mexico City, waiting for our flight to Oaxaca, you guys are in luck! I’m going to try to upload some photos now!
Feb 22nd, 2023 | 04:25 AM
#40
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Petra - Approaching the Siq
Petra, an amazing archeological site in Jordan’s southwestern desert. It dates back to around 300BC and was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom. It was once an important trade route between many ancient lands. One approaches the site via a long walk, much of it a canyon cut through the rock; this is the Siq. The site is very extensive; the common image is that of the Treasury but Petra, a major city of the time, is built on many levels and there is much to explore. We only saw a part of the site as it requires a fair amount of some challenging walking uphill through rocky and narrow passages.
This is just the beginning!
Map of the site at the Visitor Center
Starting out
A form of transportation
Some of the many remarkable structures that line the walk
Some of the many remarkable structures that line the walk
Some of the many remarkable structures that line the walk
Transportation 2
Some of the many remarkable structures that line the walk
Petra, an amazing archeological site in Jordan’s southwestern desert. It dates back to around 300BC and was the capital of the Nabatean Kingdom. It was once an important trade route between many ancient lands. One approaches the site via a long walk, much of it a canyon cut through the rock; this is the Siq. The site is very extensive; the common image is that of the Treasury but Petra, a major city of the time, is built on many levels and there is much to explore. We only saw a part of the site as it requires a fair amount of some challenging walking uphill through rocky and narrow passages.
This is just the beginning!
Map of the site at the Visitor Center
Starting out
A form of transportation
Some of the many remarkable structures that line the walk
Some of the many remarkable structures that line the walk
Some of the many remarkable structures that line the walk
Transportation 2
Some of the many remarkable structures that line the walk
